Mergers & Acquisitions
Full-cycle M&A advisory — from letter of intent through post-closing integration. We negotiate, structure, and close complex transactions for buyers and sellers at all scales.
Learn MoreCorporate & Business Law · Pacific Northwest
Precision counsel
for businesses
that mean it.
Caldwell & Mercer LLP delivers strategic legal guidance to growth-stage companies, founders, and established enterprises across Washington, Oregon, and beyond.
28+
Years of Practice
$4.2B+
Transactions Closed
600+
Business Clients
What We Do
Comprehensive Legal Counsel
for Business at Every Stage
Business Formation
Entity selection, formation, and governance structuring for startups and established companies. We build legal foundations that scale with your business vision.
Learn MoreContract Law
Precision drafting, negotiation, and review of commercial agreements — vendor contracts, partnership agreements, NDAs, licensing, and complex multi-party arrangements.
Learn MoreCommercial Litigation
Protecting business interests through decisive, strategic litigation. We represent companies in contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, and complex commercial matters.
Learn MoreEmployment Law
Employer-side employment counsel covering hiring, terminations, non-competes, wage compliance, workplace policies, and executive compensation agreements.
Learn MoreCorporate Finance
Debt and equity financing, venture capital transactions, securities compliance, and capital structure advisory for growth-stage and mid-market companies.
Learn MoreRegulatory Compliance
Navigating Washington and Oregon regulatory environments — environmental, data privacy, licensing, and industry-specific compliance programs for complex regulated businesses.
Learn MoreIntellectual Property
IP strategy, trademark registration, trade secret protection, licensing frameworks, and IP due diligence for technology, creative, and product-driven companies.
Learn MoreAbout the Firm
Rooted in the
Pacific Northwest.
Built for Business.
Founded in Seattle in 1997, Caldwell & Mercer LLP has grown alongside the Pacific Northwest's dynamic business landscape — from the technology boom of the late 1990s through today's complex, global marketplace.
We don't practice law for prestige. We practice it because complex business problems deserve elegant, precise legal solutions. Our attorneys understand that legal counsel isn't an overhead cost — it's a strategic asset.
Clarity
Plain counsel, not legalese
Precision
Details that protect you
Purpose
Results that matter
Our Team
Attorneys Who Know
Business Law Deeply
Eleanor Caldwell
Managing Partner
Eleanor leads the firm's M&A and corporate finance practice. A graduate of University of Washington School of Law, she has advised on more than $2B in transactions over her 25-year career.
Contact Eleanor →James Mercer
Founding Partner
James founded the firm's commercial litigation and employment practices. A former clerk to the Ninth Circuit, he brings appellate-level precision to every business dispute.
Contact James →Priya Nair
Senior Associate
Priya specializes in technology transactions, startup formation, and venture capital matters. A Lewis & Clark Law graduate, she advises Pacific Northwest tech companies from seed to Series C.
Contact Priya →Daniel Okafor
Associate
Daniel focuses on regulatory compliance, environmental law, and real estate transactions. He counsels businesses navigating complex Washington and Oregon regulatory regimes.
Contact Daniel →Track Record
Selected Results & Notable Matters
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Representative matters selected to illustrate depth of experience.
$340M
Technology Company Acquisition
Represented Portland-based SaaS company in acquisition by Fortune 500 technology corporation. Managed full transaction lifecycle, IP due diligence, and post-close integration structure.
Favorable
Shareholder Dispute — Manufacturing
Obtained favorable judgment for majority shareholder in contested buyout dispute involving a Pacific Northwest manufacturer. Case resolved in 11 months without appellate litigation.
$85M
Series C Venture Financing
Counsel to Seattle-based health technology company in Series C preferred stock financing led by a Tier 1 venture capital firm. Negotiated investor rights, anti-dilution, and governance provisions.
Dismissed
Trade Secret Misappropriation
Successfully defended technology employer against trade secret misappropriation claim. Case dismissed at summary judgment stage, preserving client's competitive position and avoiding protracted discovery.
$210M
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio
Structured acquisition of multi-property commercial real estate portfolio across three Washington counties. Coordinated title, environmental review, and lender negotiations on compressed timeline.
Resolved
Class Action Employment Defense
Represented regional employer in wage and hour class action filed by over 400 employees. Negotiated favorable resolution at mediation, avoiding class certification and trial exposure.
Client Perspectives
What Our Clients Say
Caldwell & Mercer didn't just close our deal — they protected us at every turn. Eleanor's command of the transaction details was extraordinary. We wouldn't work with anyone else.
James Mercer is the kind of litigator who changes the outcome of a case before it gets to trial. His grasp of our business, not just the legal issues, was what made the difference.
Priya guided us through our seed round and Series A with patience, precision, and genuine care for our long-term success. She's not just our lawyer — she's a trusted advisor.
Ready to Begin?
Your business decisions
deserve counsel this precise.
Consultations are confidential. Initial calls are complimentary. We'll tell you clearly whether and how we can help.
Get in Touch
Contact
Our Firm
Phone
(206) 555-0100
Email
info@caldwellmercer.com
Office
1800 Pike Street, Suite 2200
Seattle, Washington 98101
Seattle, Washington 98101
Hours
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat: By Appointment
Sat: By Appointment